Monday, August 24, 2009

Fashion Revisited

Prompt: The Daily Topic: "At the time, did you think it was dumb or that it was cool? Write about a time you wore an outfit or costume you now realize was ridiculous."

I always thought it was highly dumb, probably the most foolish outfit I have ever worn in my life…

I had finished my schooling and entered college. As newcomers, my friends and I were always running away from getting ragged by seniors. Nevertheless, we were finally caught. The first day went off decently with only singing for them. I should say decently as singing and dancing does not consitute the term 'harassment'. After some singing, jokes and poetry sessions (about which I knew nothing) and dancing, we were left off for the day. Since it was just the beginning there was hardly any studying and the lecturers too were settling in for the term.

Finally the bell rang, and we were mighty pleased that it was the end of the day. But we didn’t know what followed. Before we left the classroom, we were told: “Guys, for tomorrow, you have a dress code – tie up your hair soaked in oil and wear a salwar kurta. But remember, the salwar, kurta and chunni should not be of the same color.” When we heard about it we thought it was ridiculous, but then probably even if one wears different colors, you can still pull it off. But that was not to be. They all had to be of colors which don’t match.

I came back home and told my mom about it. She began laughing and couldn’t stop. Finally she suggested wearing white, orange and green. Not too bad. The day arrived and I got ready. When I finished dressing, I couldn’t stop laughing and cursing the seniors. I was looking funny. Traveling to college was by public transportation – bus. But that day, I got after my dad and asked him to drop me and pick me up. Anyhow, when we all reached college, we were obviously the laughing stock by spectators who were not only other girls, but professors too. They all knew it was a part of ragging, but we were all looking so silly that we all just ran off to our class and were inside the whole day. Finally the day ended again, but this time it was different. We had made friends with our seniors who were extremely nice people. They assured us help in our class notes and otherwise if we ever needed them in college.

Ironically, the bad day ended with new formed relationships which were to last a lifetime.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Pet Peeves

Prompt: The Daily Topic: "Why wasn't it first on your list? List five or six of your pet peeves. Write about one of the later peeves on your list."

Some of my greatest annoyances (in decreasing order) are:

- Anyone digging their nose
- When I am speaking with a friend, someone else speaks in between – a friend’s perpetual problem
- Anyone who dips their biscuit in tea
- If clothes are scattered all over the house
- I arrange the drawing room, and the next minute my daughter pulls everything apart

There are times when I get exhausted doing the household chores. My last job usually is to organize things in the drawing room incase there is a visitor - usually all my daughter’s toys are all over the floor, sofa, anywhere u name it. But the minute my task is complete, my daughter invariably begins hers. She starts throwing down everything from the shelves, one by one till it is empty. She scatters everything on the floor till she believes that there is absolutely nothing left which looks good in the drawing room. All items arranged on the sofa to the center table are on the floor too. Imagine her throwing a handkerchief (if there in one by mistake) from the sofa only to make place for her to sit.

But is there anything I can do apart from either yelling or pulling my hair? NO. Because she just won’t listen. She feels it’s her duty to create a mess. After some stares at each other appears her smile. Her proud smile of satisfaction. It seems to give her immense pleasure in irritating me. But she’s a darling after all. My daughter, just two years old, is the sweetest person on earth. I guess that’s the way all parents feel about their kid. Her naughtiness, her pranks, her unintentional acts… are all so adorable, that I just can’t let myself scream at her. Her eyes look at me as if they are telling me that it’s an achievement, a feat accomplished and “see, I have helped you clean the entire drawing room and you can't even say Thanks!”

Do I really need all that help? Well, sometimes I wonder why I even got in that situation in the first place. Why did I have to set things right and wait for my daughter to mess it all, not once but innumerable times. But I really have no answer. I have to at least try and tidy up her favorite spot – the drawing room.

All I know is that it cannot be at the first position in the list of my pet peeves. Her innocent smile takes away all that credit. I would rather get more annoyed at other situations than this.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

August 9, 1965

Singapore National Day

The National Day of the smallest nation in South East Asia, Singapore, is celebrated on Aug. 9 every year with great gusto. National Day Parade, cultural programs and fireworks are the highlights of this day when Singapore became an independent democracy within the Commonwealth of Nations on Aug. 9, 1965. It also became a member of United Nations in the same year.

The small island of Singapore was the site of a Malay fishing village in close proximity to the Singapore River. Inhabited by a population who were mainly fishermen, this settlement had been controlled by the Portuguese and Dutch from the 16th to the 18th century. On Jan. 29, 1819, the British East India Company led by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles set foot on the island of Singapore. Due to its strategic location, Sir Thomas launched a trading post on the island, which functioned as a port along the spice route. This route became one of the most important commercial centres of the British Empire giving rise to British power in South East Asia. At this time, Singapore was controlled by a Malay Sultan – Sultan Hussein Shah. Signing of a treaty between John Crawford (the second resident of Singapore) and the Sultan and Temmenggong resulted in Singapore becoming a British colony in 1824.

During the Second World War, Singapore was occupied by the Japanese after the ‘Battle of Singapore’ which is termed as ‘Britain’s Greatest Defeat’ by Winston Churchill. However, Singapore reverted to British rule soon after the war ended in 1945. General Elections were held in 1955 which could not lead to complete self rule. Nevertheless, in the elections of 1959, the People’s Action Party won making Singapore a self governing state within the British Empire.

In August 1963, Singapore achieved its independence from Britain and merged with the Federation of Malaysia. A futile merger led to the segregation from Malaysia two years later and Singapore officially gained autonomy in 1965. The first National Day of Singapore was celebrated on August 9, 1966 in commemoration of Singapore’s independence.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Paris: A traveler’s paradise

Prompt: The Daily Topic: Where Does Real Magic Exist? Write About That Place.

An enchanting city sets a paradigm in itself. Situated on the River Seine, in northern France, this city truly captivates you with ecstasy. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – Paris, encapsulates nobility and splendor. It is one of the world’s leading business, education, political, entertainment and fashion hub. Monuments and churches define architectural genius whereas innumerable museums showcase exquisite art and sculptures.

A few must sees in Paris:

- The Eiffel Tower: This symbol of Paris was built in 1889 for the International Exhibition of Paris; the architectural genius being Gustave Eiffel. It stands tall at 300 metres (320.75 m incl. antenna) weighing 7000 tons.
- Arc de Triomphe: This monument was completed in 1836 though was specially ordered to be made by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory in Austerlitz. It stands on 4 huge pillars showcasing 4 sculptures which commemorate The Triumph of 1810 (Cortot); Resistance, and Peace (both by Etex); and The Departure of the Volunteers or the La Marseillaise (Rude). The eternal flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the arc memorialize the dead of the two world wars.
- Notre-Dame de Paris: This grand cathedral was constructed between the years 1163 and 1345. This work of genius was conceived by Maurice de Sully during the reign of Louis VII. The ‘0 km’ mark on the square in front of the cathedral assists in computing road distances in France.
- Le Sacré Coeur: The design of this basilica by the architect Abadie, draws eternal reverence. Completed in 1914, it was sanctified only after the World War I. The interior of this church depicts Christ with outspread arms and consists of the world’s largest mosaics.
- Musée du Louvre: Walking into Louvre bestows one with bliss. This museum which was originally a fortress was constructed in the 12th century under Philip II, opened as a museum in 1793. It boasts of over 35,000 objects from the 6th century BC to the 19th century displayed in over 60,000 square meters. It is divided in 3 wings, namely Sully, Denon and Richelieu. The display of art is in eight curatorial departments consisting of paintings, prints, sculptures, Islamic art, and Egyptian, Greek, Eastern and Roman antiquities including its most prized possession: Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece - The Mona Lisa.

The list is endless. One can also visit the Palace of Versailles, Musée de Orsay, La Défense, La Sainte-Chapelle, the science museum, a shopper’s paradise: Galeries Lafayette, one of the most famous roads in the world: Champs-Élysées, Tuileries Gardens, the Bateaux Mouches or the boat rides on the river Seine which is incredibly pleasant, and many more.

Moving around is Paris is extremely easy with its well connected Metro, bus and RER syatem. Finally, don’t forget the French cuisine customarily accompanied with the famous French wine.

The aura of Paris and the desire to visit the city yet again stays in the mind of travelers for years to come.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

August 6, 1945

Hiroshima Day

‘Hiroshima Day’ is remembered in many parts of the world as a day of peacemaking. This day is dedicated to increase harmony and the awareness of stopping the global arms race. Peace rallies are commemorated in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Japanese city of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.

The end of World War II witnessed the atomic bombing of Hiroshima against Japan by the US. This attack was implemented at the orders of US President Harry S. Truman.
Hiroshima was targeted subject to the following criteria:
- A large urban area with more than 3 miles in diameter and would cause the utmost damage.
- It had not been attacked till Aug. 1945.
- It was a very important military center.
- It was an industrial area and the adjacent hills would increase the damage.
- Would cause a psychological effect on Japan.
- Importance of the nuclear weapon would be recognized.

The nuclear weapon or the “Little Boy” which dropped on Hiroshima killed 70,000 instantly and another 70,000 people died due to radiation burns, illness and malnutrition. Many more died in the following years from cancers which have been attributed to the radiation emitted from the atomic bombs. It instantly gave rise to fires destroying the city. "Practically all living things, human and animal, were literally seared to death," Japanese radio announcers said in a broadcast captured by Allied sources.

Japan, which had ignored the ultimatum of stopping the war, surrendered to the allied powers after a second bomb was dropped on its city of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945; thereby officially ending the Pacific War and the World War II.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Raison d'être

Prompt: The Daily Topic: Are You Or Aren't You Just Rationalizing? Write About The Difference Between Laziness And Writer's Block…According To You?

I had been procrastinating to write for quite some time. I thought I would pursue some courses in writing, and eventually write for magazines and newspapers. Little did I realize that writing is a skill, a craft which needs to be developed over time; by practice, by sheer concentration and dedication towards this skill.

I would certainly not call this laziness. It is a writer’s block….do I write well? Which topic, how should I begin the entire process of targeting a magazine or newspaper, what if I am rejected? Or am I just stuck with no clear objective in mind. It was nervousness and the fear of failure which prevented me from putting my thoughts on paper. The urge to write struck only when my husband reminded me that for the rest of my life I would only pursue courses and never accomplish the real task of crafting a piece, until I actually sat down to write one.

‘Laziness’ or ‘Indolence’ is the lack of inclination to perform an activity despite having the capability to do so. Motivation lacks when the need is productivity. As Henry Clay said “The time will come when winter will ask you what you were doing all summer.”

However, ‘Writer’s Block’ is the loss of morale which targets the writing professionals. Authors lose the ability to produce new work; either due to a complex task at hand or due to lack of inspiration or worse still, depression or financial problems. Some have taken years to get back to their profession or discontinued.

Both the troubles can be dealt with. Laziness can be triumphed over by figuring out the single concern which is haunting you. Ask yourself its importance in your life and convince yourself to do something about it. Decide a time, perform the task and reward yourself. Rewarding is a great incentive. Set goals and never give up.Writer’s Block too can be conquered with a few simple tasks. Schedule a time to write, irrespective of the quality of the prose and script. Join a writing group, find writing lessons, exercises, hire a mentor if necessary. As N. J. Higham said "Force yourself to write something, however clumsy it may be, for it is often easier to modify something you have written previously than to compose from scratch."

Writing cooking recipes or articles related to your field can also reconnect you with the writing world. Internet has opened millions of opportunities to new and established writers. Writing a blog can be a stepping stone, as in my case. This was backed by the need of the hour – a “writer’s CV” to compete against the many great writers in this world. Courses give you the knowledge. But writers should write!!!

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."(Mark Twain)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Save Ooty

Prompt: The Daily Topic : Write About A Place In Danger Of Losing Its Wonderment.

‘Ooty’, also known as Udhagamandalam is the ‘Queen of Hill stations’ in India. This picturesque town boasts of lovely gardens, beautiful lakes and lush greenery. The terrific climate makes it all the more attractive for being a honeymooners’ paradise.

Ooty’s lakes and gardens remain an ideal spot and are flocked by tourists all through summers. However, over the years it has become highly urbanized with the population increasing at a high rate. There was a time when Ooty was absolutely pollution free but with the commercialization, a polluted atmosphere with lesser greenery encompasses Ooty. The dense forests and valleys in the surrounding areas too are drying up.

It is high time the government woke up before Ooty ends up becoming an ecological disaster.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

A Toddler's Joy Ride

Prompt: The Daily Topic: Plane, Train, Bus Or Taxi? Write About an Interesting Experience You Had On Public Transportation.

My husband and I take our 2 year old daughter for small trips in metros and buses. She enjoys them thoroughly and likes to stand on the bus seat, waving to the motorists passing by.
One day, I decided to take her out for lunch with some friends. The group comprised of 3 moms and 4 kids. It was a sunny day by the time we had started out. But during the bus ride, it began pouring heavily. The bus journey was around an hour so we weren’t too worried. In the beginning, the kids were sitting quietly and enjoying themselves. But with the pouring rain and the raindrops falling on the windowpanes began all the BAAOOOWs (synonym for WOW!), squeals and giggles. The two year olds had taken a fondness towards the rain. Something new for them each time they see it. My daughter, who had been as usual standing on the bus seat looking out, got down and began to jump. Looking at her, my friend’s daughter too joined in. And they slowly got uncontrollable. We tried to put them back on the seat, they just didn’t budge. We tried to tell them to stop jumping, as they would get hurt. That statement seemed to get in through one ear, and out of the other. It was ok till the time we were gawking at their pranks. But when they began squealing, it got embarrassing. Every two to three minutes, somebody would turn around to look at us with questioning eyes (why weren’t we being able to control our kids?). I think at least 10 people would have looked back to see as to what the chaos all about. Amidst all this commotion, we had also started screaming at the kids to stop their naughty endeavors. With some spankings, the two kids finally rested (their rest was standing on the bus seat!). Came the bus stop and we all jumped down heaving a sigh of relief that we had finally arrived for a lunch; which actually opened the doors for further mischief by the tiny tots!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Introduction

Dear All,

Thank you for taking out time to visit this site.

My blog's title is "Bag of Thoughts". I will be concentrating on topics from the yahoo group called “The Daily Topic” and on "Today's Significance (Important 365 days)". I shall diversify as time progresses. This is just the beginning.

Thanks for walking with me.

Regards,

Payal